Vibe Magazine Deconstruction

The masthead of the magazine says ‘VIBE’ is an orange font. The colour orange connotes enthusiasm, creativity, determination and success. These connotations all relate to the genre of the magazine: Hip Hop/Rap. This suggests that people in the rap industry have to be determined to be successful. The centre of visual interest is of Nicki Minaj and she also has orange hair. This suggests that she is enthusiastic, creative, determined and successful. Minaj is also wearing a crown, which suggests she is music royalty, and is superior to everyone else. She has her hands placed on her hips, which gives connotations that she means business and has attitude. Minaj is also glancing at the reader in quite an evil way, which could suggest that she is not a very nice person. The caption that relates to the main image is ‘NOTORIOUS K.I.N.G.’; this suggests that Minaj is known for acting superior and diva-like. The font is also looks like it has been written by hand which suggests that the magazine is informal which fits into the genre of the magazine well. In one of the sell lines it reads, ’13 way to dress like a man, son!’ this is also quite informal as it uses slang. This also relates to the magazine’s genre and target audience, as they are most likely to use slang words whilst speaking. The number 13 is stereotypically seen as unlucky which suggests that the magazine is rebellious and upfront as they are using numbers that most people see negatively. In the sky line, it reads ‘purple suits, white kicks and a $30k dress’ which connotes that the magazine is quite strange and unique as they are mentioning types of clothing that are quite out there and urban. In other sell lines, things like ‘WHY IS DRAKE SO ANGRY?’ and ‘KAYNE’S KILT’ are mentioned. These both include popular rap artist’s which suggests that they are likely to draw in readers due to them being mentioned. ‘Kanye’s Kilt’ also uses alliteration, which is an effective technique that could intrigue the reader as not much is revealed. The background of the magazine is in white, which connotes purity, innocence, positivity and faith. This contradicts most of the messages given on the magazine, as rap artists are usually anything but pure and innocent. However, a lot of rap artists are quite holy which suggests that the magazine is quite respectful of God. The background also makes the main image stand out which emphasizes Nicki Minaj’s importance.